No. 128 Squadron RAF explained

Unit Name:No. 128 Squadron RAF
Dates:1 February 1918 – 4 July 1918
7 October 1941 – 8 March 1943
5 September 1944 – 31 March 1946
Branch: Royal Air Force
Garrison Label:Base
Motto:Latin

Fulminis Instar
("Like a Thunderbolt")[1]

Colors Label:post 1950 aircraft insignia
Identification Symbol:In front of an ogress a shuttle in hand
Identification Symbol Label:Squadron heraldry
Identification Symbol 2:WG (October 1941 – March 1943)
M5 (September 1944 – March 1946)
Identification Symbol 2 Label:Squadron Codes

No. 128 Squadron RAF was a Royal Air Force Squadron formed to be a day bomber unit in World War I and reformed as a fighter unit in World War II.

History

Formation and World War I

No. 128 Squadron Royal Flying Corps was formed on 1 February 1918 and became a unit of the Royal Air Force, but it disbanded on 4 July 1918 having not become operational.

Reformation in World War II

The squadron reformed in 1941 from a fighter unit equipped with Hurricanes in Sierra Leone. It was disbanded in 1943 and reformed in 1944 at RAF Wyton with Mosquitos as part of the Light Night Striking Force.

Post war

From 20 September 1945 the unit was based Melsbroek, Belgium and then briefly in Germany before being disbanded upon renumbering to 14 Squadron on 31 March 1946.

Aircraft operated

Aircraft operated by No. 128 Squadron RAF[2] ! From !! To !! Aircraft !! Variant
Oct 1941 Jan 1943 Mk I
Nov 1942 Mar 1943 Hawker Hurricane Mk IIB
Sep 1944 Nov 1944 XX
Oct 1944 Nov 1944 de Havilland Mosquito XXV
Oct 1944 Mar 1946 de Havilland Mosquito XVI

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Pine. L G. A dictionary of mottoes. 1983. Routledge and Kegan Paul. London. 0-7100-9339-X. 88. registration.
  2. Book: 1988. C.G.Jefford . 1-85310-053-6. RAF Squadrons. UK Airlife Publishing .